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| the estimation of something as valueless (encountered mainly as an example of one of the longest words in the English language). |
| an obscure term ostensibly referring to a lung disease caused by silica dust, sometimes cited as one of the longest words in the English language. |
| individualism (ˌɪndɪˈvɪdjʊəˌlɪzəm) | |
| —n | |
| 1. | the action or principle of asserting one's independence and individuality; egoism |
| 2. | an individual quirk or peculiarity |
| 3. | another word for laissez faire |
| 4. | philosophy Platonism Compare realism the doctrine that only individual things exist and that therefore classes or properties have no reality |
A view that stresses the importance and worth of each person. In economics, it is the doctrine that individuals best serve the public interest by pursuing their own self-interest. For example, the businessman who expands his company to increase his profits also creates jobs for many people and thereby serves the public interest. (See laissez-faire.)